I would think that they were still filling orders for 1971 with the older 24" barreled 444's in early 1972. Some time in 1971 (I believe later in the year) they shortened the barrel to 22" that's why they are hard to find, as they did not make many 22" barreled 444's in 1971.

 

+1 You sir, scored a gem of a rifle...keep us imformed as to how it shoots. Oh, and pics are required!

 

Ive got 2 boxes of 240 gr. sitting here ready for a test run as soon as its not so miserable outside. the rear sight is slid waaay too far right, gonna take some adjustments. See what i can do for pictures

 

Justin,
Does your 444T have a ramp front sight or is the front dovetailed right into the barrel?
Thanks,
LarryO

 

Larry O,

Not Justin here, but mine is a 65 and identical to Justin's except I have a rounded straight lever and he has a squared straight lever. Mine has a ramp front sight. Did Marlin every make a 444 with a dovetailed front sight?

 

apparently they did because im looking at it right now.

 

Yes, apparently he has one with the front sight attached to the barrel, and so do I. Mine is stamped 444T and I think the sight, the "T" and the square lever are the major differences between a early 444 and a 444T or Texan. But I could be wrong and confused. I know I was dizzy for an hour after shooting the thing.
LarryO

 

I have a 444s that has a dove tail front and rear sight I thought the previous owner changed them are these original?My gun was made in 1973.

 

The 1971 catalog was the first factory catallog to introduce the 444 Marlin Sporter with 22" barrel and PG stock for the first time; but this catalog also features the "Marlin 444 Rifle" (the 444T) in the original 444 specifications with 24" barrel, straight Monte Carlo combed stock; and for the first time since the 444T was cataloged, that model is depicted with a squared finger lever. Both models also featured blade type front sights and ramp style rear sights for the first time (prior to this year, the 444 always featured a Lyman fold-down rear sight and ramp front sight with hood); and both versions retailed for $145.00. It appears that 1971 was the final year of the 24" version of the early Marlin 444T rifle; but Marlin offered/cataloged both models as they closed out their remaining inventory of the early version Model 444T, and your '72 stamped model mostly likely filledl a late order special request. That said, Marlin serial number stamps are not always consistent with production year; we've seen a number of such examples here, and I pesonally have owned a Model 450MR stamped with a serial number two years prior to the year this model was first cataloged. Bottom line, I see nothing extraordinary with the serial number stamp on your gun, and that fact by itself would certainly add no value to the gun among knowledge Marlin collectors.

 

That is interesting Justin, I just bought yesterday what sounds like the same rifle you are talking about. My serial number starts with a 69xxx I will try to post pictures of it. on my guns barrel the only thing it says is Marlin 444 no T or anything else. I do not know what year they quit making this model. I was told in 71 but it could have been in 72. I'll bet 444Hal or Mr. fixit would know. If you find out I too sure would like to know. If you can I sure would like to see some pictures. Here are some of mine it I can figure out how to do it.

" Give a man some meat and you fed him for a day. Teach him to hunt and you fed him for life. "

Congradulations on your find
444GS2